A few weeks ago, we mentioned that Hillsborough County wants your input on budgeting issues, and they even went so far as to create an “Official Citizen Participation Blog” for gathering your thoughts. The plan is to ask one question per week, and have your comments there help to shape the 2011 budget. For instance, [...]
The past year is one that has been tough on us all financially. As we all look for ways to cut costs, our “entertainment funds” are typically the first to go. Because of this, I’ve made it a hobby to search for free ways to have fun around town. One approach that I have become [...]
My name is Mike McGee and would describe myself as a fun-loving person that loves to constantly try new things. I grew up living the nomadic lifestyle of a military brat, but I have finally settled down to make Tampa, Florida my home! In the many places I have lived, I always seemed to find [...]
Last month, we told you that you can now be friends with Hillsborough County on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, and read the Hillsborough County Budget Blog. Not to be left out, ABC Action News says that Pinellas County residents can Blog your budget questions to commissioners now too, but it’s simply a submission form – [...]
Sticks of Fire began publishing in February of 2004. In response, the St. Pete Times cranked up “It’s Your Times” in September of 2005 as an “example of Citizen Journalism, in which readers submit content to a news organization.” The introduction sounded good, but those in charge of “It’s Your Times” never used the site [...]
Holy CRAP! It was so cold this winter, I forgot all about my annual self-congratulatory anniversary blog post! Sticks of Fire turned six years old on February 6 – a month and a half ago! There have been nearly 5,000 posts on Sticks since we started, and almost 25,000 approved (non-spam) comments. We’ve gone through more than [...]
It seems that the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has recently updated their website while jumping on the self-publishing bandwagon, and even has a HCSO YouTube channel. They have posted Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for gang activity, locking your car, and playing safe, as well as profiles of the SWAT team, dive team and the [...]
Looks like Hillsborough County’s Budgeting Department has jumped into social media: Everybody leads busy lives these days, and it can be difficult to fit in time to attend a County Budget Public Hearing. That’s why, this year, we’ve added even more ways to comment on the Budget and to keep up with County Budget discussions. [...]
Shortly after Florida’s State Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Brian Blair in the race for State House District 47, Peter Schorsch of Saint Petersblog 2.0 brought up Blair’s arrest in a domestic dispute. Never mind that the charges were dropped when it turned out that his kids were being less than truthful with police. I would really [...]
